READING AS A

PHYSIOLOGICAL
PROCESS
Lesson 3
Presenter: Yvonne Xyzelle R. Saratorio
 Learning Outcomes

• Acquaintance with reading in terms of

I its physiology or internal process in the
human organism
• Retention of scientific terms related to
II
the physiology of reading
• Appreciation of the wondrous process
III
of reading
Facts

Reading involves both an organic or physiological

process and a mental or cognitive processes.

Neuro-physiological
Facts
In the physiological process, the most basic step is for
eyes to see, identify, and recognize the printed word or
images.
Facts
The light patterns from the printed symbols hit the
foveal areas or closely packed sensory cells of the
retina.
Facts

In turn, this induces chemical changes that create

patterns of nerve currents into the optic nerve fiber.
Facts

Then theses currents travel to a center in the

mid-brain.
Facts
The stage of reading revolves around the ability to identify
and recognize words which are the smallest unit of visual
identification and meaningful recognition. But the act of
reading does not take place if the letters are perceived in
isolation.
Facts

Finally, using the currents that travel to the mid-brain,

the cerebal cortex interprets the symbols.
Facts

Studies show eye movement in reading with the eye

perceiving and pausing on the printed material
horizontally from left to right and top-to-bottom or right
to left and bottom-to-top.
Facts

Scientific experiments have also shown that there are

several eye movements:

a • Fixation
b • Inter-fixation
c • Return sweeps
d • Saccades
e • Regressions
f • Span of recognition
 To reflect, one reads ideas not words.

The habit of reading decreases the work of word

deciphering, resulting in an ease in perceiving
meaning, relationship and messages of the printed
material.